​       Cast members of the Brooklyn Opera House holiday community theatre production of “Many Things” have been working hard behind the scenes to bring guests a fun and hilarious heartfelt Christmas story. Showtimes are 7 p.m. both Friday and Saturday, Dec. 6 – 7, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 8. An encore production is slated for Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. Submitted photo.

​By J.O. Parker
 
      The Brooklyn Opera House will be hosting an original holiday community theatre production of “Many Things,” Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 14.
       The production is being held in connection with Brooklyn’s annual Christmas Traditions.
      Written and directed by Brooklyn's pastor/librarian Josh Gerard, "Many Things" is a one act comedy that was inspired by the events of the Bible.
      “In Luke 10, Jesus tells Martha that she is worried about many things,” noted Gerard.
      Gerard had the idea to take this scene, modernize it, and put it in a Christmas setting where a mother has done everything she can to give the perfect Christmas to her family, but finds all her hard work literally blows up and she'll have to act fast to try and make everything come back together again. 
     Gerard said “Many Things” is a funny, family-centered Christmas play about having good intentions, but not always making time for the things that truly matter.
     “These Christmas shows we do are so important because it's a great chance to get people into the Christmas spirit while also reminding them of what it's all about,” said Gerard. “And I get to do it right here on the stage in the town I grew up in. That's pretty special."
      The production will take place on the stage in the beautiful Brooklyn Opera House, a cornerstone of the community since 1911. Rebuilt and reopened in 2020, the opera house provides a place for the community to gather and celebrate the local arts.
Cast:
     Martha - Randi Shaw; John - Travis Williams; Mary – Rose Britts; Ben – Ryder Scott; Jess – Gracie Gerard; Will – Silas Gerard; Kevin - Rory Fuller; Shopper – Traci Williams; Cashier - Alaina Holmes; Sally – Katie Fuller; Pastor – Jeff Britts; Backstage crew – Assistant Director – Alli McCammant; Sound – Brett Fuller; Lights – Lorelai Gerard; Lights – Shadlee Hazelwood; Props and Costumes – Laura Emerson; Writer and Director – Josh Gerard.
Showtimes:
         Friday, Dec. 6 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m.
Tickets:
       Please visit http://www.brooklynoperahouse.com/events to purchase advance tickets for $10. Tickets at the door are $15.

​        This little fellow was curious enough to find out if Santa’s beard was real or not during Jolly Old Saint Nick's visit to Grinnell during Jingle Bell Holiday on Friday, Nov. 22.. Santa and Mrs. Claus were in Grinnell to meet and have their photos taken with area youngsters.

By J.O. Parker
 
      A warm welcome greeted bundled up families who gathered in Grinnell’s Central Park on a chilly late November night for Jingle Bell Holiday opening ceremonies and festivities.
      The annual event, which was held on Friday, Nov. 22, kicked off at 5:15 p.m. with Grinnell Mayor Dan Agnew and Rachael Kinnick, President and CEO of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, welcoming all. They thanked and praised the Grinnell business community, the many restaurants in town and local artisans for making the event special for all.
       The duo followed with a quick thanks to Kevin and Jennifer McAlexander, who were invited to the stage, and a host of volunteers for their efforts in decorating Central Park in preparation for the holiday season.
The opening ceremonies featured Michelle’s Dance Academy students performing two dance routines and dancers with Stepping Out Dance Academy giving a closing performance.
       Then it was time to count down from 10 and watch Central Park come alive with lights and decorations. Families were then able to spread out across town to take a horse-drawn wagon ride, visit Santa Claus, listen to musical performances, enjoy a quick meal or cup of hot cocoa or stop and support one of the many local businesses.
      “It is one of my favorite events in Grinnell all year,” said Katy Wells of Grinnell, who came to enjoy a performance by the Grinnell Children’s Choir at the United Church of Christ Congregational. “This is the first year my daughter sang in the children’s choir. She did great and I’m so proud of the whole choir.”
        The musical performance was followed by family activities and treats in the Friendship Hall at the church. The choir is under the direction of Erin Bustin with the aid of Sara McCue.
     Next door to the north, the Grinnell Area Arts Council was filled with local residents, Grinnell College students and others who came to support local artisans and listen to music by Grinnell’s Too Many String Band.
      “I think it’s a good way to support local artists,” said Mary Higgins, who was at the GAAC checking out all the local artisans wares and purchasing Christmas gifts.
      Higgins, a senior at Grinnell College, hails from Los Angeles and will wrap up her degree in psychology in the spring.
      “I do my Christmas shopping in Grinnell,” added Higgins. “It’s a good way to connect with people and the community.”
      On the southeast corner of Fourth and Broad, both young and old enjoyed taking a spin around the town square on a horse-drawn wagon pulled by Teddy and Tommy, the Dostal family draft horses, who are an annual fixture at Grinnell Jingle Bell Holiday.
     “I love giving rides and seeing the smiling children who stop to pet the horses,” said Vickie Dostal, who brings the horses to town with her husband, Dennis.
      And down the street at Grinnell State Bank, Santa Claus made a stop with a jolly ho ho ho as youngsters and their families stood in a long line to meet Old St. Nick and have a photo taken by local photographer, Cory Hall. Hall has been taking photos of kids with Santa for at least 20 years plus. And this year, Mrs. Claus and one of Santa’s elves made the trek from the North Pole to enjoy the festive fun during their Grinnell stop.
     And around the corner in the former resale shop at 914 Main St., guests enjoyed visiting the Winter Farmer’s Market in its new home. Local vendors offered everything from kettle corn to woodworking pieces, baked goods, ceramics, soaps and body creams, yard ornaments and fresh coffee products.
     “It’s nice to see people who come to the summer market return to the winter market,” said long-time vendor, Beckey Anderson, who was selling fresh and dried floral products at Beez Blooming Garden alongside her husband, Terry, who was selling a variety of popped kettle corn products. “It’s nice to see a lot of college students.”
        Brown Shoe Fit, a long-time Grinnell business, provided a selection of music by two bands, Corn Brio, an acapella group and the Eighth Avenue New Grass band.
        “Everyone is enjoying a good time,” said Kyle Stock, owner and manager of the local shoe store. “We went through about 400 cookies in an hour. Every year it seems we are getting more and more people (at Jingle Bell Holiday).”
     Various other businesses were open across town including Anna Kayte’s Boutique, Bates Flowers by Design, Vonda’s Flowers and Gifts, Beckman Gallery & Gifts, Strand 3, B3 Technology, Grin City Bakery, Grinnell Craft Brewhouse, Hair of the Dog (Poweshiek Animal League Shelter), Pioneer Bookshop, Solera, Suzi’s Boutique, Witte’s Home Decorating, Loralei’s Giftshoppe, Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore, Mahaska Communication Group, Saints Rest Coffee House and more. And the Knights of Columbus hosted a soup supper at St. Mary’s Catholic Church throughout the evening.
       Also on hand was the Dari Barn’s on the Moooove mobile eatery serving local specialties to Jingle Bell Holiday attendees.
       “Our crew would like to say thank to all of our patrons for such a great busy night at Jingle Bell Holiday,” said a Dari Barn spokesperson.
     “It’s a good event,” said Joey Pagliai, owner of Pagliai’s Pizza, who was busy making pizzas and serving customers. “A big thank you goes to the chamber for organizing this event. Jingle Bell Holiday brings more people out than any other time of the year.”
       “Despite being a bit chilly, the community turned out,” said Kinnick with the Grinnell Chamber. “A record-number of businesses and organizations hosted activities, live music, home-baked goodies, hot chocolate galore, and of course, shopping, for hundreds of guests. Jingle Bell Holiday wouldn’t be what it is without the participation of the businesses and the engagement of our community, and we are so very grateful for both.”

       Brooklyn American Legion Post 294 Commander Ron Brown honors Korean War veteran Gene Osborn with his American Legion 75-year membership certificate during the annual Ruritan Club Veterans Day program at the MJM Community Center on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Osborn, who served in the Army in Korean during the Korean War, was one of five men honored during the program.

      Don Brannian, a Korean War veteran and long-time Brooklyn resident, right, was the recipient of two 70-year membership certificates for his dedication to the Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Brannian, who served in the Army in Korean, was honored with both local and national membership honors to the veterans organization during the Ruritans Club Veterans Day program on Wednesday, Nov. 13. Joining Brannian is Brooklyn American Legion Commander Ron Brown who presented the honors.

      Brooklyn American Legion Post 294 Commander Ron Brown, right, shakes hands while honoring Korean War veteran Don Atkinson, who served in the Army during the Korean War, seated in wheel chair, with his 70-year membership certificate in a brief ceremony at the Brooklyn Community Estates, where Atkinson resides, on Monday, Nov. 18. Joining Brown at the event was veteran Corky Staurt at left.

     Brooklyn American Legion Post 294 Commander Ron Brown presents a 50-year membership certificate to Vietnam War veteran Larry Massengale during the Ruritan Club Veterans Day program on Wednesday, Nov. 13 at the MJM Community Center. Massengale served in the Army National Guard during the Vietnam War.
       Vietnam War veteran Gary Whitsell, who was not present at the program, was also honored with a 50-year of membership certificate in the Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Whitsell served in the Army during the Vietnam War.

​       Capt. William “Hawk” Albracht, a decorated Vietnam veteran and co-author of the book, “Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate” shakes hands with Brooklyn veteran Dave Faas during a book signing event at the Ruritans veterans program in Brooklyn on Nov. 13. Capt. Albracht’s wife, Mary, is seated next to him.

​By J.O. Parker
 
       Veterans of all branches of service filed into the Michael J. Manatt Community Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for an evening of recognition, camaraderie, good food and remembrance.
        Hosted by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club, this year’s event drew an estimated 150 guests, including veterans, their spouses, family, friends and more.
      Veterans in attendance came from Brooklyn, Victor, Malcom, Grinnell, Montezuma and Deep River. The Brooklyn Ruritan Club has been hosting this event veterans for around 15-years.
         The guest speaker was Capt. William “Hawk” Albracht, a highly decorated Vietnam veteran and retired Secret Service agent with a career at the White House spanning 25-years.
        Capt. Albracht shared the story about his Vietnam experience leading his men while holding Firebase Kate against all odds. The story is the basis of a book that he co-authored with Capt. Marvin J. Wolf entitled “Abandoned in Hell: The Fight for Vietnam’s Firebase Kate.”
        The book has received acclaim from a number of military and civilian reviewers, and was made into a documentary. Following his presentation, Capt. Albracht, who calls Bettendorf and The Villages, Fla. home, signed and sold copies of his book to attendees.
        A traditional Thanksgiving meal prepared by the Brooklyn Ruritan Club was served to the guests during the program.
        Five Brooklyn veterans were recognized for their long-time membership in the Brooklyn American Legion Post 294. Those honored included Larry Massengale, 50-years; Gary Whitsell, 50-years; Don Brannian, Army 70-years; Don Atkinson, Army 70-years; and Gene Osborn, Army, a 75-year member of the Brooklyn American Legion.
       The evening also included the singing of “America” led by Don Lastovka, recognition of guests by Rusty Clayton; invocation by Guylain Musoya, minister of Brooklyn’s Grace United Methodist Church; Roger VanErsvelde, explaining the Fallen Soldier Table stationed at the event; and Brian Ring, American Legion Department of Iowa Commander, addressing the gathering. BGM senior members of the Ruritan Club also spoke and included Abby Smith, Lailyn Dean and Shadlee Hazelwood.
        “I think it’s an honor to be here,” said Richard “Red” Drake.
        “It was the best food and people were friendly,” said Bud Norman.
       “I thought the whole program was fantastic,” said Kathy Stanek, who was present with her husband, Terry. “It opens your eyes as to what goes on during war.”
       “It was very heartfelt and emotional,” noted Dean, Smith and Hazelwood, seniors at BGM High School who were part of the program. “We are so thankful for this gathering.”
       “It was wonderful,” said Chris Nolte, Poweshiek County Veterans Service Officer. “It was top drawer and wonderful to recognize the serviceman.”
        Notle, who spoke briefly at the program, encouraged all veterans to come see him and get their benefits.
      “I want to thank the Ruritans for all their effort in making this event happen for our area veterans,” said American Legion Post 294 Commander Ron Brown. “It was an honor for me to present the membership awards.”
       “The speaker was on point,” said veteran Corky Stuart. “He did a great job sharing his story about his time in Vietnam.”
      “I enjoy being able to share my story with other veterans,” said Capt. Albracht, while signing his books. “They then will share their story with me. I really felt a connection.” 

       It was a sea of waving flags as BGM students honor local and area veterans during the annual Veterans Day program on Monday, Nov. 11 in a packed school auditorium.